The Intel Core i7 4790K, released in 2014, was a powerhouse of a processor that dominated the gaming and overclocking scenes. With its impressive clock speeds, high IPC (instructions per clock), and robust feature set, it was the go-to choice for enthusiasts and gamers alike. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, the question on everyone’s mind is: is the i7 4790K still fast in today’s gaming landscape?
Understanding the i7 4790K’s Architecture
To answer this question, we need to delve into the i7 4790K’s architecture and see how it stacks up against modern processors. The i7 4790K is based on Intel’s Haswell architecture, which was a significant improvement over its predecessor, Ivy Bridge. Haswell brought several key enhancements, including:
- Improved IPC (instructions per clock): Haswell’s IPC was around 10-15% higher than Ivy Bridge, resulting in better performance at the same clock speeds.
- Increased clock speeds: The i7 4790K had a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz and a turbo boost clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz, making it one of the fastest consumer-grade processors at the time.
- Enhanced integrated graphics: Haswell’s integrated graphics, known as Intel HD Graphics 4600, were significantly improved over Ivy Bridge’s HD Graphics 4000.
How Does the i7 4790K Compare to Modern Processors?
Fast forward to today, and we have processors like the Intel Core i9 11900K and AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, which boast even higher clock speeds, more cores, and improved IPC. So, how does the i7 4790K compare to these modern behemoths?
- Clock speeds: While the i7 4790K’s clock speeds were impressive in its time, they pale in comparison to modern processors. The i9 11900K, for example, has a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a turbo boost clock speed of up to 5.0 GHz.
- Cores and threads: The i7 4790K has 4 cores and 8 threads, which was standard for high-end processors at the time. However, modern processors often have 8, 12, or even 16 cores, making them much more capable of handling demanding workloads.
- IPC: Modern processors have also seen significant improvements in IPC, with some processors boasting IPC increases of up to 20-30% over the i7 4790K.
Gaming Performance: Can the i7 4790K Still Keep Up?
So, how does the i7 4790K perform in gaming, which is arguably its most important metric? To answer this, we’ll look at some benchmarks and compare the i7 4790K to modern processors.
- 1080p gaming: At 1080p, the i7 4790K can still deliver smooth frame rates in most modern games, especially when paired with a high-end graphics card. However, it may struggle with more demanding titles or those that utilize multiple cores.
- 1440p and 4K gaming: As we move to higher resolutions, the i7 4790K’s limitations become more apparent. It may struggle to maintain high frame rates, especially in games that are heavily CPU-dependent.
Benchmark Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the i7 4790K’s gaming performance to that of the i9 11900K and Ryzen 9 5900X:
| Processor | 1080p (FPS) | 1440p (FPS) | 4K (FPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| i7 4790K | 120-150 | 80-100 | 40-60 |
| i9 11900K | 180-200 | 120-140 | 80-100 |
| Ryzen 9 5900X | 160-180 | 100-120 | 60-80 |
As we can see, the i7 4790K still delivers respectable frame rates at 1080p, but it starts to struggle at higher resolutions.
Overclocking: Can the i7 4790K Still Reach High Clock Speeds?
The i7 4790K was renowned for its overclocking capabilities, with many users pushing it to clock speeds of 4.5 GHz or higher. However, as with gaming performance, the i7 4790K’s overclocking capabilities have been surpassed by modern processors.
- Overclocking headroom: The i7 4790K has limited overclocking headroom compared to modern processors, which often have more aggressive turbo boost algorithms and better cooling systems.
- Power consumption: The i7 4790K’s power consumption is also higher than modern processors, which can make it more difficult to cool and overclock.
Overclocking Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the i7 4790K’s overclocking capabilities to that of the i9 11900K and Ryzen 9 5900X:
| Processor | Stock Clock Speed (GHz) | Overclocked Clock Speed (GHz) |
|---|---|---|
| i7 4790K | 4.0 | 4.5-4.7 |
| i9 11900K | 3.2 | 5.0-5.2 |
| Ryzen 9 5900X | 3.7 | 4.5-4.7 |
As we can see, the i7 4790K’s overclocking capabilities are still respectable, but they pale in comparison to modern processors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the i7 4790K is still a capable processor, it has been surpassed by modern processors in terms of gaming performance, overclocking capabilities, and overall feature set. However, it’s still a great option for those on a budget or who don’t need the latest and greatest technology.
If you’re looking to upgrade from an i7 4790K, we recommend considering modern processors like the i9 11900K or Ryzen 9 5900X, which offer significant performance improvements and better feature sets. However, if you’re happy with your current performance and don’t need the latest features, the i7 4790K is still a great option.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade or stick with the i7 4790K depends on your specific needs and budget. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the i7 4790K’s capabilities and helped you make an informed decision.
Is the i7 4790K Still Relevant for Modern Gaming?
The i7 4790K is still a powerful processor, but its relevance for modern gaming depends on various factors. While it can handle most modern games at lower to medium settings, it may struggle with more demanding titles or those that utilize multiple cores. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or already have the processor, it can still provide a good gaming experience.
That being said, if you’re planning to play the latest games at high settings or with ray tracing and other advanced features, you may want to consider a more modern processor. The i7 4790K is a 4th-generation Core processor, and while it was top-of-the-line in its time, it has been surpassed by newer models with more cores, threads, and improved architecture.
How Does the i7 4790K Compare to Newer Processors?
The i7 4790K is significantly slower than newer processors, especially those with multiple cores and threads. For example, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core i9-11900K has 10 cores and 20 threads. In contrast, the i7 4790K has 4 cores and 8 threads. This means that newer processors can handle more demanding workloads and multitasking.
However, the i7 4790K still has a high clock speed, which can help with single-threaded applications and games that don’t utilize multiple cores. Additionally, the processor’s overclocking capabilities can help bridge the performance gap with newer models. But overall, if you’re looking for the best performance, a newer processor is likely a better option.
Can the i7 4790K Handle 4K Gaming?
The i7 4790K can handle 4K gaming, but it may struggle with more demanding titles or those that require a lot of processing power. The processor’s 4 cores and 8 threads can handle some 4K workloads, but it may not be able to keep up with the latest games at high settings. Additionally, the processor’s integrated graphics are not powerful enough to handle 4K gaming, so you’ll need a dedicated graphics card.
That being said, if you’re looking to play less demanding games or those that are optimized for 4K, the i7 4790K can still provide a good gaming experience. You’ll need a powerful graphics card to handle the graphics workload, but the processor can handle the game’s physics, AI, and other calculations.
Is the i7 4790K Still Worth Buying?
The i7 4790K is still worth buying if you’re on a budget or looking for a cheap upgrade. The processor is relatively inexpensive compared to newer models, and it can still provide a good gaming experience. Additionally, the processor’s overclocking capabilities can help bridge the performance gap with newer models.
However, if you’re looking for the best performance or planning to play the latest games at high settings, you may want to consider a more modern processor. The i7 4790K is an older processor, and while it’s still powerful, it has been surpassed by newer models with more cores, threads, and improved architecture.
How Does the i7 4790K Compare to AMD Processors?
The i7 4790K is comparable to AMD’s FX-9590 processor, which was released around the same time. However, AMD’s newer processors, such as the Ryzen 9 5900X, are significantly faster and offer more cores and threads. The Ryzen 9 5900X has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the i7 4790K has 4 cores and 8 threads.
That being said, the i7 4790K still has a high clock speed, which can help with single-threaded applications and games that don’t utilize multiple cores. Additionally, the processor’s overclocking capabilities can help bridge the performance gap with AMD’s newer models. But overall, if you’re looking for the best performance, AMD’s newer processors are likely a better option.
Can the i7 4790K Handle Content Creation?
The i7 4790K can handle content creation, but it may struggle with more demanding workloads. The processor’s 4 cores and 8 threads can handle tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and streaming, but it may not be able to keep up with more complex projects. Additionally, the processor’s integrated graphics are not powerful enough to handle demanding graphics workloads, so you’ll need a dedicated graphics card.
That being said, if you’re looking to do some light content creation or just starting out, the i7 4790K can still provide a good experience. You’ll need a powerful graphics card to handle the graphics workload, but the processor can handle the other calculations. However, if you’re planning to do more demanding content creation, you may want to consider a more modern processor.
Is the i7 4790K Still Supported by Intel?
The i7 4790K is no longer supported by Intel, as it has reached its end-of-life (EOL) status. This means that Intel will no longer provide updates, patches, or security fixes for the processor. However, the processor is still widely supported by motherboard manufacturers and other hardware vendors.
That being said, if you’re planning to buy an i7 4790K, make sure to check the motherboard and other hardware compatibility before making a purchase. Additionally, keep in mind that the processor’s lack of support may affect its performance and security in the long run.